Despite not being signed, it’s expected that Anthony Joshua comeback to the ring will be a rematch with old for, Dillian Whyte – but what if Whyte loses before then?
Whyte is on a redemption mission himself, his last outing being a conclusive loss to WBC Champion, Tyson Fury, in April. Despite the elite talent of ‘The Gypsy King’, Whyte, alongside new trainer Buddy McGirt, will be hoping to prove that it was a bad night at the office when he comes up against unbeaten American prospect, Jermaine Franklin, this month.
Franklin, who has 14 knockouts from 21 wins, has been given a fresh incentive from the promoter of the fight, Eddie Hearn. The Matchroom CEO told Behind The Gloves what awaits him should he upset the odds.
“As AJ’s promoter, if someone beat Dillian Whyte, we’d look to make that fight and make that fight in America. So, everything is there for Jermaine Franklin – but also, at the same time, Dillian Whyte is looking to make a statement under Buddy McGirt.
It’s going to be a great atmosphere … it’s a massive fight for both of those guys. Both can punch. Franklin’s 21 and 0 and he’s been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time.”
Despite Franklin’s record, he hasn’t come up against the quality of opponent that Whyte has. Having said that, he’s a few years younger and may be buoyed by the fact that Whyte has now lost two of his last three.
Anthony Joshua will be keeping a keen eye on proceedings. It’s been stated through his team that the Whyte fight is ideal for early 2023 in an attempt to get back to winning ways following championship losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Should the fight be made, it reignites a bitter rivalry that was put on pause when ‘AJ’ knocked Whyte out in 2015. Whyte has been calling for the rematch for years.
But first, he and Franklin headline a DAZN show at OVO Arena, Wembley on November 26.